Textile machine



May 16, 1939. G. FISHER E1- AL 2,158,536

v TEXTILE MACHINE Filed July 23, 1936 6 Sheets-.Sheet 1 ATTORN EYS May 16, 1939. l G, F|5HER Er AL 2,158,536

TEXTILE MACHINE Filed July 25, 1956- 6 SheetS--Sheel 2 sab M35 May 16, 1939.

G. FISHER ET AL TEXTILE MACHINE 6 Smets-sheet 3 Filed July l25, 1956 INVETOf Mau BY M MQ @n.414

s ATTORNEYS May 16, 1939. G. FISHER Er AL TEXTILE MACHNE Filed July 25, 1936 e sheet's-sheet 4 Tali; 66

May 16, 1939. G. FISHER E1' AL 2,158,536

TEXTILE MACHINE Filed July 23, 1936 6 Sheets-sheet 5 F'zg: 5.

INV T R5 May 16, 1939.

G. FISHER Er AL 2,158,536

TEXTILE MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed July 25, 1936 iic Patented May 16, 1939 PATENT 4OFFICE TEXTILE MACHINE George Fisher and. William S. Tandler, New

York, and Richard Wallace Carlisle, Flushlng Heights, Long Island, N. Y., assignors to Lefier Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application July 23, 1936, Serial No. 92,112 i '44 Claims.

This invention relates to the production of patterned textile fabrics, either knitted or woven, and is concerned more particularly with a novel apparatus for controlling the operation ol' a textile machine in accordance with a pattern which is to be reproduced on the product of the machine. The apparatus of the invention is capable of a wide variety of applications, and may be used, for example, for controlling the operation of knitting frames, looms, and machines for punching cards which are to be used with Jacquard mechanisms, but since the apparatus is especially adapted for controlling knitting frames of the circular type,van embodiment of the principles of the invention appropriate for that specific use will be illustrated and described in detail for purposes of explanation. It is to be understood, however, and will be readily apparent that the utility of theinvention is not limited to its employment in connection with textile machines of any particular kind.

In the operation of textile machines, it has been proposed heretofore, als, for example, in Ruinnet Patent No. 1,795,235, issued March 3, 1931, to provide a control mechanism for governing the operation of the machine, this mechanism including a pattern sheet carrying a representation of the design to be reproduced and means responsive to variations in the pattern on the sheet for causing selective operation of elements of the machine, such as the needles of a knitting frame or the heddle wires of a loom. In the prior control mechanisms with which we are familiar and which include a pattern sheet and scanning means therefor, the sheet is of relatively short length and bears only a single repeat or a limited number of repeats of the pattern, so that when the scanning means has explored the entire sheet, after a period of operation of the machine, the latter must be stopped and the pattern mechanism reset so that the scanning operation can be repeated. This periodic starting and stopping of the4 machine is objectionable because it results in loss of production and waste of power.

The present invention is accordingly directed to the provision of a control apparatus, employing a pattern sheet, which overcomes the objections to the prior devices above referred to and permits continuous uninterrupted operation of the textile machine with production of fabric thereby in indefinite lengths and carrying an indefinite number of repetitions of the pattern. In the new apparatus, the pattern sheet to be used is endless, and when it has been mounted in position and the machine started, the control mechanism requires no further adjustment or resetting throughout the operation of the machine and the repetitions of the pattern on the product of the machine are precisely alike in all respects.

The new apparatus includes an electrically operatedv control device which selects the elements of the textile machine, such as the needles or heddle wires, which'are to be brought into operation, and means for supplying current to the device in accordance with the variations of a pattern. More specically, the control device may take the form of a selecting element actuated by an electromagnet, and the means by which current is supplied to the electromagnet include a source of power, a pattern, and means for scanning the pattern and controlling the supply of power "do the electromagnet in response to Variations in the pattern. The scanning means employed may take dierent forms and may include, for example, a photoelectric cell which receives light reected from the surface of the pattern, or contact means making direct contact with the pattern surface.

With both forms of scanning mechanism, the pattern is endless and preferably of cylindrical form. also, in the event that continuous operation of the machine is desired, the pattern is preferably subdivided into two parts bearing complementary Aportions of the design. The scanning means is then operable alternately on the two parts of the pattern, and the scanning means and pattern are given a compound rotary and reciprocating relative movement. When the scanning means has completed the exploration of one part of the pattern, its operation is altered so that it then works on the other part, changing from one part to the other when the scanning of each part is completed. With this arrangement, the scanning operation can be carried on continuously and without interruption, and no inversion or reversal of the design appears in the product of the machine, since the scanning always starts at the same point on the pattern for each repeat thereof.

For a better understanding of the invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is an elevational view of one form of the new apparatus illustrated in association with a part of a circular knitting machine which is shown in section;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional View on the line 2--2 of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a view of the new apparatus partly in elevation and partly in vertical section;

Figures 11 and 12 are detailed views of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 9.

Referring to the drawings. the new apparatus is illustrated in Figure 1 associated with a circular knitting machine generally designated 20 and of the type which includes a cylinder 2| having vertical grooves in its outer surface in which are mounted needles 22 provided `with operating jacks and selector jacks 24. The cylinder is mounted on a support for rotation on a vertical axis and may be rotated by any suitable means. In the construction illustrated,

the cylinder is provided with a girth gear 20a meshing with a pinion 20h on a vertical drive shaft 20c and the cylinder extends through a plate 25 supporting a cam 26. As the cylinder rotates, the selector jacks, unless put out of operation, move up the surface of the riser cam and raise their respective operating jacks and needles so that the needles are caused to take part in the knitting operation. The apparatus of the present invention operates to select and put out of operation selected jacks 24 and thus controls the operation of the knitting machine.

The selection of the needles is. effected by means of a control device 21 which engages the selected jacks 24 and moves them to inoperative position. The control' device may be of various constructions, and, as illustrated, it includes a movable hammer lever 28 and a pair of electromagnets (not shown), or an electromagnet and a spring (not shown) ,i for moving the hammer lever in opposite directions. 'I'he control device is suitably supported adjacent the circular series of selector jacks, and as the cylinder 2| rotates, current is supplied to the control device in accordance with the variations of a pattern and causes the hammer lever to strike selected jacks 24 and move them out of their initial positions so that they are not ensagedand raised by the cam 26. 4

The operation of the control device 21 is controlled by a mechanism which includes a pattern generally designated 29. 'I'his pattern is endless and preferably takes the form cfa sheet of suitable material, to the surface of which the design is applied in a suitable manner. Thus, if the pattern is to be scanned by photoelectric means, the figures of the design and the background are of different shades or colors, whereas, if the pattern is to be scanned by direct contact mechanism, the pattern sheet may be of electroconductive material, such as thin copper, with the ilgures of the design formed thereon of insulating material. In the construction illustrated in Figure 1, the pattern sheet-is adapted to be scanned by iight means and the sheet is made of any appropriate material of a suitable color with the design iigures of another color.

When it is desired that the lmitting machine be operated continuously, the pattern employed is preferably in the form of two parts designated 29a and 29h, respectively, these parts representing longitudinal subdivisions of the pattern and bearing complementary portions of the design. The two parts 29a, 29h are mounted so that their ends meet, and for this purpose, the two parts may be supported on the surface of a cylinder 30 of the proper size. The cylinder 30 is fast on a shaft 3|, supported in suitable bearings and driven from the knitting machine in such manner that the cylinder 30 rotates in synchronism with the needle cylinder 2|. struction illustr ted, the shaft 3| is provided with a gear Bia of the same size and number of teeth as the gear 20a, and gear 3|a meshes with a pinion 3|b on the shaft 20c and of the same size and number of teeth as pinion 26h. When the pattern used is in the form of two parts, these parts are mounted on the cylinder in reversed relation relative to the axis of the cylinder. Thus, as shown in Figure 1, the pattern bears a ilgure designated 32 which is of generally triangular form with the apex of the triangle carried by pattern part 29a, and a truncated portion including the base carried by part 29h. 'I'he parts 29a and 29h are then oppositely disposed so that the apex of the triangle lies adjacent the line of truncation.

The means for scanning the pattern comprises a carriage 33 of general U-shape, which is mount- Aed for movement on the rods 34 extending between a pair of plates 35 forming part of a stationary frame which is completed by a rod In the con- 36 connecting the plates 35. The frame is sup- 'i ported above the knitting machine in any con-4 venient manner and the shaft 3| extends through openings in the plates 35 with the cylinder 36 lying between the plates and the upper end of the shaft carrying a sprocket wheel 31 lyingabove the upper plate 35. Two lead screws 38a and 38h are mounted in the plates 35 between the rods 34, and at their upper ends, the screws are provided with sprocket wheels 39a, 3917, re spectively. An idler sprocket wheel 40 is mounted on the end of the outer rod 34 beyond the top plate 35 and the top plate also carries idler sprockets 41a and 4|b mounted thereon in any convenient manner for rotation.. A chain. 42 is trained about the several sprocket wheels as illustrated in Figure 6, and as the shaft 3| is rotated, it rotates the lead screws 38a, 38h.

i The carriage 33 is moved up and down the guide rods 34 by means of the lead screws, and for this purpose there is provided a split nut 43 engageable with the screws alternately. The nut is mounted in the end of an arm 44 pivoted on the upper end of the carriage, the arm being guided in its movement by a strap 45 on the carriage, and

. the lead screws are of such construction and are so rotated that when the nut 43 is in engagement with one of the screws, the carriage moves down the guide rodsyand when the nut is shift/ed to the other screw, the carriage is raised.

The shifting of the nut from one screw to the other may be accomplished by various means, such as electromagnets and relays, but in the construction illustrated, mechanical means are employed which include a rod 46 mounted on a block bar 48 to cause the rod 46 to move the arm 44 to Y shift the nut 43. The rocking of the block 41 at the appropriate times in the operation of the apparatus is accomplished by means of a revolving pin 53 which lies between spring arms 54 extending from the block 41 in a direction away from the rod 46. The pin 53 is mounted eccentrically on the face of a gear v55 supported for rotation on a stud carried by a standard 56 rising from the top ofthe carriage, the gear being driven by a pinion 61 rotating on a stud supported by standard 56 and secured in contact withthe face of a gear 58 mountedon the same stud. The gear 58 meshes with a rack 59 extending between the plates 35 so that as the carriage is moved along its guide rods, the gear 58 is caused to rotate by its engagement with the rack, and in turn, causes a rotation of the gear 55. The gears and pinion are so constructed that the gear 55 makes a half revolution during the movement of the carriage from one end of its path of travel to the other, and when the frame passes the mid-point in its path, the pin 53 bearing against one of the spring members 54 tends to swing block 41 and rod 46 to move the arm 44 to change the driving engagement of the nut 43 from one screw to the other. The arm 44, however, is latched in position, and until the latch is released, the block 41 and rod 46 can eiect no movementof the arm with a resultant shift in the driving connections, so that the continued movement of the pinion to dead center position in a horizontal plane merely serves to wind up or store energy in the spring member 64.

The latch mechanism referred to comprises a detent 66 which has an end receivable in one or the other of a pair of apertures in the end of the branch arm 52 and is carried by a collar 6l pivotally mounted on a stud 62' on the top of the carriage 33. This collar is provided with an arm 62 which is engaged by an arm 63 attached to a collar 6&3 mounted on a trip shaft 65 supported in a housing 65 carried by the carriage 33. The shaft 65 is also provided with a pair of collars 61a, 61h having arms 68a, 63h, respectively, which project through the wall of the housing, and are adapted to beengaged respectively by studs 69a, @9b projecting from the surface of the pattern support 30.

As illustrated in Figure 3; the carriage is being moved downward by the screw 38h and the rate of movement of the frame is so correlated to the rate of rotation of the pattern support 30 that when the carriage 33 has reached the desired limit of downward travel, the arm 68h will be engaged by stud 69h and shaft 65 will be rocked. This movement of the shaft will cause the arm 63 to move the arm 62 and rock the collar 6i and its detent 66 to free the'end of the detent from the aperture in branch arm 52 in which it has been received. When the detent 60 is released from the end of the branch arm 52, the force stored in the exed spring causes an extremely rapid movement of arm 44 and shifting of the nut 43 from one screw to the other.

The movement of the trip shaft is limited by an arm 10 attached to a collar 1l fast on the shaft, the pin 10 being normally held in contact with a stop pin 12 on the housing 66 by means of a spring 13 attached to arm 16 and to a convenient part of the housing. When the end of the detent 60 is in an aperture in the branch 52, the arm 10 is in engagement with the stop pin 12, and the l rocking of the trip shaft is eiected against the one screw to the other.

54 is so constructed that the pin 5I is at a dead center position at the time of each reversal of position of the split nut, and, therefore, at this time, no longitudinal force is impressed upon the carriage by the spring-winding mechanism. There is thus no tendency for the nut to slip during the last part of its driving engagement with a lead screw and no tendency for the carriage to jump while the nut isbeing shifted from It will also be noted that there is only a frictional connection between the arms 62 and 63. The trip shaft 65 on which the arm 63 is mounted is carried by the housing 66, which is movably mounted in the carriage 33, and because of the frlctional connection between the arms 62, 63, random movements of the carriage do not cause the detent 60 to release the arms 44, 52.

In the apparatus illustrated in Figure 3, photoelectric scanning means are employed and the means include a photoelectric cell 14 mounted in a casing 14a in the housing 66. in any suitable position. Also` mounted within the housing are two optical systems comprising electric lamps 15a, 15b in tubular passages 16a, 61h contain` ing lenses 11a, 11b and mirrors 18a, 13b. A beam of light from each lamp is focussed by its associated lens and mirror through an vaperture in a plate 19a or 19h, and through an aligned aperture a or 80h in the wall of housing 65 upon one or the other of the parts 23a, 23h of the pattern. The plates 19a, 19h, respectively, are supported on the inner surface of the wall of the housing and are positioned adjustably by means of screws Bla, Sib so that the light 'beams may strike the parts of the pattern at the de sired spots. Light from the spots is reflected through the apertures 80a, 80h into passages ma, B2b to movabie mirrors 83a, 83h by which it is deflected intopassages 84a, 84h to stationary mirrors 85a-, 85h which direct it to the photoelectric cell .14.

The scanning means is operable alternately at the two spaced points on the pattern, that is, in the construction illustrated in Figure 3, the optical systems are alternately operative so that the scanning of one part of the pattern alternates with the scanning of the other part. Thus when the carriage is moving downward as shown in Figure 3, the optical system which includes the mirror 83a is effective and part 29a of the pattern is being scanned. When the carriage has reached the end of this downward movement and the upward movement begins, the first optical system is rendered inoperative and the second system including the mirror 83h becomes eiective. This change in the operation of the scanning means is accomplished by movements of the mirrors 83a and 63D effected through a latch mechanism by the trip shaft 65.

The mirrors 83a and 83h are pivotally mounted at 86a, 86D, respectively, in the housing and are provided with arms 81a, 81h acted on by springs 88a, 88h connected to the arms and to studs 89a, 89h attached to the housing. The arms are provided with tails 90a, 90b, respectively, movable between the ends of pairs of adjustment screws attached to the wall of the housing and generally designated 91a, 9th, respectively. Each arm 81a, 81b is then connected by a link 92a, 92h to arms 93a, 93h on a rock shaft 94 journaled in the housing, the shaft 94 .i extending through the top of the housing and carrying a bell crank 95 having an opening 96 in one leg, the other leg having spaced aperlib is ineffective for the purpose.

tures 91 in which is received the end ofa detent 98 attached to the collar 1| on the trip shaft 55.

A block 99 similar to block 41 is mounted on the rod 49 and is provided with spring members |00 straddling pin 53 and similar to the spring members 54. As the pin 53 revolves, it flexes one or the other of the spring members |00, and whenever the detent 98 is freed from one of the apertures 91 in bell crank 95 by the rocking of the trip shaft 95, the force stored in the spring member |00 rocks the block 99. This block is provided with a rod 0| which extends into the opening 96 in the leg of bell crank 95 and the rocking of the block thus causes a rocking of the shaft 94 which is communicated through the links 92a, 92h to the mirrors. 'I'he construction is such that when the end detent is in one of the apertures 91 in bell crank 95, one of the mirrors 93a, 83h is effective to direct a beam of light reflected from the pattern surface to its mirror a, 95b so that the beam of light will strike the active part of the cell 94, while the other of the mirrors 83a, Accordingly,

th the construction described, the optical systems are alternately effective and the scanning action shifts from one part of the pattern to the other whenever there is a reversal in the movement of the housing 66.

The housing is hung from the carriage 33 by means of a link |02 and it is provided at top and bottom with pairs of parallel links |03a, |0311, |04a, |04b, respectively. Each of the parallel links is pivotally mounted at one end of the housing and its other end has a hub through which passes one of the rods 34. The links |03a, |04a and links |0312, |.04b are connected by springs |0511, |05b, respectively, and each spring is attached to link |03a or |0317 near its outer end, and to link |04a or |04b near its hub. The springs are in tension and thus tend to swing the links to shift the housing to the right, as seen in Figure 5. In this movement, the housing is kept from turning about a longitudinal axis by the pairs of links.

At its end adjacent the pattern support, the housing is provided with a pair of rollers |05a, |05b, which bear on the surface of the pattern on the support and insure that the end of the housing will maintain a definite fixed relation to the surface of the pattern.

E In the operation of the apparatus described, the pattern employed has areas of different shading and variations in the pattern thus affect the action of the photoelectric cell 14.' This cell is connected in a circuit |01 to an amplifier generally designated |09 receiving current through a circuit |09, and the output circuit H0 of the ampliiler is connected to the control device 21. Accordingly, variations in the pattern control the supply of power to the control device and the latter is then operated to select and move. the selector jacks 24 as determined by the pattern.

In'the scanning device described, the means by which the driving connections are reversed and the mirrors 83a, 93h put alternately into operation are independent of one another. As the mirrors and their associated parts are relatively light and have little inertia, the shifting action with respect thereto may be more rapid than the shifting of the driving connections. It is, therefore, desirable to employ the separate shifting means for the mirrors and drive so that the change from one mirror to the other will not be delayed by the slower action of the shift of the driving means.

In the apparatus illustrated and described, a single photoelectric cell and two complete optical systems each including a light source are employed, but it will be readily appreciated that other arrangements may be employed, as, for example, separate photoelectric cells may be used for the two scanning points, the cells being put alternately into operation by shifting the polarizing potential from one cell to the other as the scanning is shifted from one point to the other. Also, instead of two lamps, one for each scanning point, a single lamp may be employed with shutters operated so `as to render the optical systems alternately operative. Similarly, two lamps may be employed and the shift from one scanning spot to the other may be accomplished by switching the lamps alternately into action instead of shifting the mirrors of the optical systems. These and similar changes will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, but the mechanism illustrated and described is preferred because of its simplicity.

Instead of using photoelectric scanning means, direct contact apparatus may be employed and an embodiment of the invention in which direct contact elements are used is illustrated in Figures 9-12, inclusive. As shown in Figure 9, the pattern drum has a cylindrical surface of electroconductive material, and is connected in a circuit ||2 by means of a brush ||3 bearing against the surface of the drum. 'I'he pattern parts Hdd, ||4b are then made of electroconductive material with the figures ||5a, ||5b of the design of insulating material. The housing 66 carries contact members ila, ||6b provided with rollers |I1a, 1b bearing on the surface of the parts of the pattern. Each of these rollers is mounted for rotation in a block 8 on the end of a rod H9 supported in a block |20 mounted on the housing in any convenient manner, the rod extending through the block and carrying a nut |2| on its far end and being encircled by a spring |22 lying between blocks ||8 and |20. The rods ||9 are connected by lines |23 to spaced contact fingers |2411., |2412, respectively, which are mounted on a block of insulation |25 supported in the housing 56 at any convenient place. A contact member |26 lying between the contact fingers |24a, i24b is carried by a collar |21 fast on a rock shaft |29 supported in the carriage 33 and extending through openings in the top and bottom of the housing. This rock shaft is provided at its upper end with an arm |29 fast thereon and the arm is formed with apertures in its end, in which is received the end of a detent |30 projecting from a pivotally mounted collar |3|. The arm |29, detent |30, and collar |3| correspond generally in construction and mode of operation to the branch arm 52, detent 60, and collar 6| previously described. a

Loosely mounted on the shaft |28 between spaced collars |32 is an arm |33 which carries a split nut |34 lying between lead screws |35a, |35b, the split nut and lead screws corresponding in construction and mode of operation to the split nut 43 and lead screws 39a, 39h previously described. The arms |29 and |33 are connected by a spring member |36 and when the arm |29 is swung, it acts through the spring member to cause a swinging movement of the arm |33 and a shift of the split nut |34 from one lead screw to the other. 'Ihe movement of arm |29 is accomplished by rocking of the shaft |28 and this movement also causes the contact member |26 to shift f fier E38 receiving current through a circuit |39 and delivering current through a circuit to a control device 21 of the construction previously described.

With the apparatus in the form described, the pattern parts are charged at all times and the contact elements Illa, ||1b, are continuously in contact with theirV respective parts. During the movement of the carriage in one direction, however, the movable terminal |26 is in contact with but one of the terminal fingers |2lla, |241), so that one of the contact elements is effective and the other ineffective. As the contact element explores the pattern, current flows` through the pattern and contact element whenever the element is engaged with an electroconductive portion of the pattern sheet, and whenever the contact member engages an insulated portion of the pattern sheet, no current ows. The current through the pattern sheet and contact elements is of relatively small value,.and, as `in the case `of" the photoelectric scanning means, the current is amplified in the amplifier |38 so that a relatively strong current may be supplied to the control device 21 to insure its proper and rapid operation in accordance with variations in the pattern.

In both forms of the apparatus, the pattern and scanning mechanism control the knitting of a single color thread and if a plurality of colors are present in the design, a plurality, of patterns and their associated scanning means and control devices will be used. When more than one pattern is employed to control the knitting of more than one color thread, the patterns may be mounted on the pattern drum in their entirety or they may be divided into stripsl each of which represents a single line of the pattern, with the strips arranged longitudinally along the drum and grouped according to lines in the pattern. With the patterns divided into strips mounted on a single drum, each strip representing a single color is scanned by a separate scanning mechanism controlling the operation of a separate control device. The several scanning mechanisms are mounted angularly about the drum so as to scan the pattern in sequence, and the control devices are likewise spaced with reference to the machine which they control. The additional scanning mechanisms are mounted in position in any desired way and appropriately driven from the shaft 3|, one such additional scanning means being' indicated diagrammatically in Figure ,6.

In all forms of the mechanism, in order to insure continuous operation without inversion of the pattern in the fabric, it is necessary that the scanning operation should start at the same point on the pattern for each repeat thereof. 'I'his effect is obtained in the present mechanism by employing a scanning means which is operable alternately at two points on the pattern and by using a pattern in the form of two parts, each bearing either a complementary portion of the design or the entire design, the former arrangement being preferred because of the saving in space. With either arrangement, the two parts of the pattern are arranged4 on the drum in reversed position as illustrated in Figure l and previously described.

With the pattern in two parts, the scanning of one part of the pattern proceeds to completion before the scanning of the other part begins, and the scanning operation of each part always starts at the same point. Thus, in the construction illustrated in Figure l, the scanning of the part l29a. of the pattern always proceeds from top to bottom, and the scanning of' part 29h always proceeds from bottom to top. Accordingly, at the.

beginning of the downward movement of the carriage, the upper optical system becomes effective, and, at this time, the beam of light from the lower lamp 15a is directed upon the pattern/ part 29a at its extreme upper edge at the point designated I 4|. As the drum rotates and the carriage moves down, the scanning point follows a downward helical track on the pattern surface, and when the spot has reached the extreme lower edge of the pattern atthe point |42, the movement of the carriage reverses. At this time, the aperture in the plate 1'9b is so positioned as to direct light on the spot |53 on the pattern part '2917, and the lower optical system then becomes effective and the upper system ls put out of action. During the rising movement of the carriage, the scanning spot travels in a generally helical upward direction on thepart 29h until the point |44 is reached, whereupon, the carriage movement reverses and the operation of theoptical systems lshifts from one to the other so that the scanning of the upper part 29a of the pattern may again commence on the point |I| there- With the arrangement described, therefore, the pattern is always scanned in thel same sense, and the design thus always appears in proper position on the fabric being produced. If the pattern were not subdivided the two scanning spots alternately effective were not employed, it would frequently happen that at the completion of a scanning operation, the next scanning operation would start at the wrong side of the pattern, and this would result in an inversion of the figures of the design in the nished product. No such inversion takes place with the control apparatus described.

Since the carriage and pattern have a compound rotary and reciprocating relative movement so that the scanning spot travels along a generally helical path first on one part of the pattern and then on the other, the pattern on the pattern sheet must be so formed that the desired effect is obtained with this helical movement. The desired result is most conveniently achieved by mounting the pattern sheets on the drum with theirl ends meeting, but offset by the width of the track, the offsetting of the sheets being reversed. Accordingly, the drum is preferably provided with guide ribs |a, |4511 which are of the proper shape so that when the pattern sheets are applied to the drum and each placed with one edge yin contact with a rib, the ends of the sheets will be offset to the desired extent.

In the construction illustrated, the two parts of the pattern are mounted on a single drum and the carriage is provided with scanning means including a. pair of optical systems both directed y nately into operation as above described. The

construction illustrated is preferred, however, because of the saving in space and the simplification of the driving means for the pattern.

In all forms of the apparatus, means may be provided, if desired, for indicating the progress of the operation of the machine being controlled. This object is accomplished in the devices illustrated by mounting a scale |48 peripherally on the pattern support, preferably, at the upper end thereof, and a vertical scale |41 between the plates 35 and adjacent to the pattern support. One edge |48 of the scale |41 extends close to the surface of the pattern support so as to provide a pointer reading on scale |46, and the scale |41 is then read by means of two pointers Mila, |49b mounted on the housing 68, one for each scanning means. The scales used are subdivided into units in correlation with the pattern employed which is in turn coordinated with the machine being controlled. Thus, for example, when the apparatus is used with a circular knitting machine, the scale |46 will be subdivided so that each unit thereon represents a particular needle of the machine, and the scale |41 represents the lines on the pattern, so that by reference to the scales, the needle being controlled by the scanning action at any given instant may be ascertained. The scale |43 is not readable at normal full-speed operation but is used during low speed tests.

We claim:

1. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, a source o! power for said device, and means for controlling the delivery of power to said device including an endless pattern, means for scanning the pattern, said means being operable alternately at spaced points on the pattern, means for giving the pattern and scanning means a relative compound rotary and reciprocating movement, and means for periodically changing the operation oi' the scanning means from one scanning point to the other.

2. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, a source of power for said device, and means for controlling the delivery of power to said device including an endless pattern, means for scanning the pattern, said means including a pair of elements operable alternately at spaced points on the pattern, .means for giving the pattern and scanning means a relative compound rotary and reciprocating movement, and means for periodically placing the active element of the scanning means rout oi operation and the inactive element in operation.`

3. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, a source of power for said device, and means for controlling the delivery of power to said device including an endless pattern, means for advancing the pattern past a scanning zone, means in said zone for scanning the pattern, said means being alternately operable at spaced points on the pattern, means for giving the scanning means a reciprocating movement from side to side of the pattern, and means for changing the operation of the scanning means from one scanning point to the other whenever the direction of movement of said scanning means changes.

4. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, a source oi power for said device. and means for controlling the delivery of power to said device including a pattern of cylindrical form, means for rotating said pattern, means for scanning said pattern, said means being operable alternately at spaced points on thepatern, means for giving the scaning means a reciprocating movement from side to side of the pattern, and means for changing the operation of the scanning means from one scanning point to the other whenever the direction of movement of the scanning means changes.

5. In an apparatus for controlling the operation oi? a textile machine, the combination oi an electrically operated control device, a source of power for said device, and means for controlling the delivery of power to said device including an endless pattern, means for scanning the pattern, said means being operable alternately at spaced points on the pattern, means for giving the pattern and scanning means a relative compound rotary and reciprocating movement at a rate bearing a predetermined relationto the operation of said machine, and means for changing the operation of the scanning means frm one scanning point to the other whenever a change of direction occurs in said relative reciprocating movement.

6. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, a source of power for said device, and means for controlling the delivery of power to said device including a pattern subdivided into two endless parts, means for scanning the pattern, said means being operable alternately at spaced points one on each part of the pattern, means for giving the pattern and scanning means a relative compound rotary and reciprocating movement, and. means for changing the operation of the scanning means from the scanning point on one part of the pattern to the scanning point on the other part whenever a change of direction occurs in said relative reciprocating movement.

7. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, a source of power for said device, and means for controlling the kdelivery of power to said device including a pattern subdivided longitudinally into two endless parts, means for scanning the pattern, said means being operable alternately at spaced points one on each part of the pattern, means for rotating the parts of the pattern in unison, means for giving the scanning means a reciprocating movement from side to side of the pattern, and means for changing the operation of the scanning means from the scanning point on one part of the pattern to the scanning point on the other part whenever a change of direction in the movement of the scanning means occurs.

8. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, a source of power for said device, and means for controlling the delivery of power to said device including a pattern subdivided longitudinally into two complementary endless parts, one part being reversed relative to the other, means 'for advancing said parts in unison, means for scanning the pattern, said means being operable alternately at spaced points one on each part of the pattern, means for giving the scanning means a reciprocating movement from side to side of said parts, and means for changing the operation of the scanning means from the scanning point on one part' of the pattern to the scanning point on the other part whenever a change of direction occurs in said reciprocating movement.

9. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated con-trol device, a source oi power for said device, and means for controlling the delivery of power to said device including a pattern subdivided into twov endless parts of cylindrical form, means for scanning said pattern including a 'pair of elements operable alternately one on each part of the pattern,

'means for rotating the parts of the pattern in unison, means for giving the scanning means a reciprocating movement from side to side of the pattern, and means for placing the active element of said scanning means out of operation and the inactive element in operation whenever a change of direction occurs in the reciprocating movement of the scanning means. A

10. In an apparatus, for controlling the operation of a textile -machine, the combination of an electrically .operated `control device, a source of power for said device, and means for controlling the delivery of power to said device, including an endless pattern, means for scanning said pattern, said means being operable alternately at spaced points on the pattern, means for giving the pattern and scanning means a relative generally helical periodically reversing movement, and means for changing the operation of the scanning means from one scanning point to the other whenever the di- I rection of said relative movement is reversed.

1l. In an apparatus fortcontrolling the operation of a textile machine, 'the combination of an electrically operated contrbl device, a source of power for said device, and Imeans for controlling the delivery of power to said device, including a pattern' subdivided intoi, two endless parts, means for scanning the pattern including a pair of elements operable alternately one on each part ofthe pattern, means or giving the pattern and scanning means a"y relative generally helical movement which changes direction whenever one part of the pattern has been completely scanned, and means for placing the active elevment of the scanning means out of operationA andthe inactive element in operationv whenever a change of 1 direction occurs in said helical movement.

12. In an apparatusl for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, and means for supplying thereto a photoelectric current, said means including a photoelectric cell, an endless pattern, means for scanning the pattern operable alternately at spaced points on 'the pattern, lsaid means controlling said cell, means for giving the pattern and scanning means a relative generally helical periodically reversing movement, and means for `changing the operation of the scanning means from one scanning point to the other whenever the direction of said relative movement is reversed.

13. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, and means for supplying thereto a photoelectric current, saidlmeans including a photoelectric cell, an endless pattern, means for delivering to said cell light reflected from said pattern, said delivering means being operable alternately at spaced points on the pattern, means for giving vsaid 1tion of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, and means fory supplying thereto a photoelec-tric current, said means including a photoelectric cell, an endiesspattern, a source of light, means for directing light from said sourceto said pattern at spaced points, separate means for delivering light reflected from said source to said cell, said separate means ,being alternately operable, means for imparting varelative movement to said pattern and said light directing means whereby said spacedfpointsl and pattern have a relative generally helical movement, and means operating whenever one of said points reaches the edge of the pattern for placing the active light delivering means out oi' operation and the inactive light delivering means in operation.

. 15. In an appara-tus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, and means for supplying power to said device in accordance with variations in a pattern, said means including an endless pattern, a photoelectrflc cell,

means forscanning said pattern and delivering light reflected therefrom to said cell, said scan-` ning means being operable alternately at spaced points on the pattern, means for giving the pattern and scanning means a relative generally helical movement which reverses its direction Whenever the pattern is scanned to an edge thereof, and means operating whenever the direction of said moyement changes to change the operation of the scanning means from one scanning point to the other.

16. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, and means for supplying powerto said device in accordance with variations in a pattern,'said means including an endless pattern subdivided longitudinally into two complementary parts, a photoelectric cell, means for scanning said pattern and delivering light reflected therefrom -to said cell, said means being operable alternately at two points one on each part of the pattern, means for giving the pattern and scanning means a relative generally helical movement which changes direction whenever one of said points reaches the extreme edge of the pattern, and means for changing the operation of said scanning means from one point to the other whenever the direction of said helical movement changes.

17 In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, and means for supplying power to said device in accordance with variations in a pattern, said means including a pattern formed in two parts, said parts having opposite helical tracks, means for scanning said pattern including a pair of elements operating one on each track and in alteration, and means for giving the pattern and scanning means a relative vgenerally helical movement which periodically reverses, whereby one or the other of said elements is operating along its associated track at all times during said mlovement.

18. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, and means for supplying power to said device in accordance with variations in a pattern including a pattern of cylindrical form, means for rotating the pattern, means for scanning the pattern including means for directing light upon said pattern at spaced points, a photoelectric cell, alternately operating means for delivering reflected light from each of said points to the cell, means for moving the scanning means from side to side oi the pattern as the latter rotates, and means operating ateach change of direction in the movement oi' the scanning means to place the inactive delivering means in operation and to put the active delivering means out of operation.

19. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, and means for supplying power to said device in accordance with variations in a pattern including a pattern drum carrying endless pattern sheets thereon, said sheets carrying complementary portions of the pattern, means for rotating the drum, a support reciprocating parallel to the axis of the drum as the latter rotates, a photoelectric cell on the support, means on the support for directing light upon both pattern sheets, means on the support for delivering reilected light to said photoelectric cell -from both sheets, and means operable when the direction of reciprocating movement changes for rendering one of said delivering means inoperative and the other operative.

20. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, and means for supplying current to saiddevice in accordance with the variations of a pattern including a pair of pattern sheets supported in cylindrical form and carrying complementary portions of a pattern, means for rotating said pattern sheets, a support reciprocating along a path parallel to the axis of each sheet, a photoelectric cell on the support, separate means on the support for delivering to the cell light reected from. spaced points one on each sheet, and means operable at the ends of the path o! reciprocation of said housing for rendering one light delivering means operative and the other inoperative.

2l. In an apparatus for controlling the operation oi' a textile machine, the combination of an electrically operated control device, and means for supplying current to said device in accordance with the variations of a pattern including a pair of pattern sheets supported in cylindrical form and carrying Complementary portions of a pattern, a pair of contact elements one en gaging each sheet, means for giving said elements and sheets a relative generally helical movement which periodically reverses direction, an electric circuit including said sheets, elements, and control device, and means operable whenever said relative movement reverses direction for rendering one element operative and the other inoperative.

22. In an apparatus for controlling the operation oi a textile machine, the combination oi.'`

an electrically operated control device and means for supplying current thereto in accordance with the variations in a pattern including an endless pattern having electroconductive and insulating areas thereon, a pair oi contact elements engaging said pattern at spaced points, means for giving saidelements and pattern a periodically reversing generally helical relative movement, an electric circuit including said contact elements. pattern, and control device, and means operable whenever said relative movement reverses for rendering one element operative and the other inoperative.

23. In a scanning mechanism, the combination of a support, means for reciprocating the support, a pair of scanning elements on said support, and means operable at the ends oi the path of reciprocation of said support for rendering one element operative and the other inoperative.

24. In a scanning mechanism, the combination of a support, a photoelectric cell on said support, a pair of means on said support for delivering to said cell light reected from spaced points on a pattern surface, and means for periodically rendering one means of said pair operative and the other inoperative.

25. In a scanning mechanism, the combination oi' a support, a photoelectric cell on said support, a pair of means on said support for directing light upon a pattern surface at spaced points, a pair of means on said support for delivering to said cell light reiiected from said points on said surface, means for reciprocating said support, and means operable at the ends oi' the path of reciprocation of said support for rendering one delivering means operative and the other inoperative.

26. In a scanning mechanism, the combination of a pair of continuously operating driving means. a support guided for rectilinear movement, a pair of scanning elements on said support, a connection between the support and one of said drivingmeans, one oi said driving means being operable to move the support in one direction and the other in the opposite direction, means operable at the ends of the path of travel of the support to shift the connection from one driving means to the other, and means operable at the ends of the path of travel of the support to render one scanning element operative and the other inoperative.

27. In a scanning mechanism, the combination of a carriage guided for rectilinear movement, a pair of continuously rotating screws, a photoelectric cell on the carriage, a pair of means on the carriage for delivering to the cell light reiiected from spaced points on a pattern surface, means for controlling the delivering means and operable' to render them alternately operable, a nut on the carriage movable alternately into engagement with the screws to effect a driving connection i'or the carriage, said screws being operable to move the carriage in opposite directions, and means operating at the ends of the path of travel of the carriage to shift the nut fran one screw to the other and to actuate the control means.

28. In a scanning mechanism, the combination of a photoelectric cell, means for directing light upon spaced spots on a pattern surface, a pair of means for delivering to the cell light reected from the respective spots, and means for periodically rendering one delivering means inoperative and the other operative.

29. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of a cylindrical rotating support, and a' pattern sheet on said support with its ends meeting, said sheet' Vhaving rows of pattern areas thereon and being mounted on said support with its ends oilset longitudinally oi' the support by the width of at least one row of pattern areas.

30. In an apparatus ior controlling the operation oi a textile machine, a pattern sheet subdivided into two endless parts, said parts bearing complementary portions of a repeat oi' the design, said portions of the repeat being reversely arranged, with reference to a line extending lengthwise of the repeat, on the parts of the sheet.

31. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, a pattern sheet subdivided longitudinally into two parts, both of which are supported in cylindrical form and on a common axis, said parts bearing complementary portions of the design which are reversed relative to said axis.

32. The combination with a knitting machine having a plurality oi needles arranged in a series, said needles having respective selectively operable actuating elements, and means engageable wth selected elements to control the action of their respective needles in the knitting operation, of an electrically operated control device for selecting said elements, and means for supplying current to said device to operate the latter in accordance with variations in a pattern, including an endless pattern element, means for scanning said element operable at spaced points thereon, means for giving the pattern element and scanning means a compound rotary and reciprocating relative movement, and means for periodically changing the operation of the scanning means from one point on the pattern element to the other during said relative movement.

33. The combination with a knitting machine having a plurality of needles arranged in a series, said needles having respective selectively operable actuating elements, and means engageable with selected elements to control the action of their respective needles in the knitting operation, of an electrically operated control device, means for causing a relative movement of said device and needles during which said device and needles come' successively into operative relation, and means for supplying current to said device to operate the latter in accordance with variations in a pattern, including an endless pattern element, means for scanning said element operable at spaced points thereon, means for giving the pattern element and scanning means a. compound rotary and reciprocating relative movement, and means for periodically changing the operation of the scanning means from one point on the pattern element to the other during said relative movement.

34. 'I'he combination with a knitting machine having a plurality of needles arranged in a series, said needles having respective selectively operable actuating elements, and means engageable with selected elements to control the action oi.' their respective needles in the knitting operation, of an electrically operated control device for selecting said elements, and means for supplying current to said device to operate the latter in ac-J cordance with variations in 'a pattern, including an endless pattern subdivided longitudinally into two complementary parts, means for scanning said pattern including an element operable on each part thereof, means for giving said pattern and scanning means a compound rotary and reciprocating relative movement, and means for periodically rendering one of said scanning elements inoperative and the other operative during said relative movement.

35. The combination with a knitting machine having a plurality oi' needles arranged in a circular serias, said needles having respective selectively operable actuating elements. and means engageable with selected elements to control the action of their respective needles in the knitting operation, of an electrically operated control device for selecting said elements. means for causing a relative movement of said device an'd needles during which said device and needles come successively into operating relation, and means for supplying current to said device to operate the latter in accordance with variations in a pattern, including an endless pattern element, means for scanning said element operable at spaced points thereon, means for giving the pattern element and scanning means a compound rotary and reciprocating relative movement, and means for periodically changing the operation of the scanning means from one point on the pattern element to the other during said relative movement.

36. The combination with a circular knitting machine having a plurality of needles arranged in a circular series, said needles having respective selectively operable actuating elements, and means engageable with selected elements to control the action of their respective needles in the knitting operation, of an electrically operated control device for selecting said needle actuating elements, means for presenting said elements successively to said device, and means for supplying current to said device to operate the latter in accordance with variations in a pattern, in cluding an endless pattern subdivided longitudinally into two complementary parts, means for scanning said pattern including an elementI operable on each part thereof, means for giving said pattern and scanning means a compound rotary and reciprocating relative movement, and means for periodically rendering Aone of said scanning elements inoperative and the other operative during said relative movement.

37. The combination with a textile machine having a plurality of elements to be selectively actuated, of a control device for selecting said elements, and means for supplying current to said device to cause the latter to be actuated in accordance with variations in a pattern including an endless pattern, a support therefor, means for scanning said pattern, said means being aperable at spaced points on the pattern, means for giving the pattern and scanning meansa generally helical relative movement which periodically reverses, and means on said support operable to change the operation of said scanning means from one scanning point to the other when said movement reverses.

38. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of a carriage, scanning means on said carriage operable at spaced points on a pattern surface, a pair of driving means for said carriage operable to move it in opposite directions along a rectilinear path, means for connecting the driving means 'alternately to the carriage, means for shifting the scanning operation from one point to the other, and means operating at the ends of the path of travel of the carriage to actuate said connecting and shifting means.

y39. In an apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of a carriage, a pair of driving means for the carriage, said means being operable to move the carriage in opposite directions along a rectilinear path, a connecting device movable between two positions to connect the carriage to the driving means alternately, a latch operable to hold the device in either of its positions, a member for shifting the connecting device from either position to the other. means operating at the ends oi the path of travel of the carriage .i'or releasing the latch. a spring for actuating said member, and means operated by the movement of said carriage for storing energy in said spring and including a revolving member engaging the spring and lying at a dead center relativo to the movement oi' said carriage when the latch is released.

40. In an apparatus for controlling the operation oi' a textile machine, the combination of a carriage, a pair ol scanning elementsthereonP a pair of driving means for the carriage operable to move the carriage in opposite directions along a rectilinear path, a connecting device movable between two positions to connect the carriage to the driving means alternately, means operable at the ends of the path of travel of the carriage to shift the connecting device from one position to the other, a yielding connection between the device and the shitting means, and means operable at the ends oi said path to render one of the scanning elements inoperative and the other operative.

41. In an apparatus for controlling the operan tion of a textile machine, the combination oi a plurality of electrically/1y operated control olevices, a source oi power, and means for control= ling the delivery of power :irons the source to the respective devices, including a pattern, a plus saliti] of scanning mechanisms scanning the pattern in sequence, and means for giving the annalisa pattern and scanning'mechanims a generally verses.

42. In an apparatus for controlling the operation ot a textile machine, the combination oi' a moving support and a pattern sheet mounted thereon with lts ends meeting, said sheet having straight parallel rows of pattern areas thereon lengthwise oi the sheet and being disposed with its ends onset by the width of at least one row oi' pattern areas.

43. In a scanning mechanism, the combination oi a movable support for a` pattern, a pair of continuously operating driving means, e. carriage guided for rectilinear movement adjacent said support, a pattern scanning element on said carriage, a connection between the carriage and one of said driving means, and means operable at the ends oi the path oi travel o the carriage to shift the connection from one. driving means to the other, one of said driving means being operable to move the carriage in one direction and the other in the opposite direction.

44. ln apparatus for controlling the operation of a textile machine, the combination of a plurality oi' electrically operated control devices, a source of power, .and means for controlling the delivery of power trom the source to the respeo tive devices including a pattern, a plurality of scanning mechanisms soannilfte the pattern consecutively, and means fior giving the pattern and scanning mechanisms e generally helical relative movement.

GEORGE CJD 

